Microscopes

1. Microscopes Biology

2. Compound light microscope Eyepiece or ocular Body tube Nosepiece Arm Objective lens Stage Stage clips Coarse focus Diaphragm Fine focus Light source Base

3. Basic Care • Always carry with 2 hands. • Do not force the knobs to turn. • Always start on the lowest power first. • Always store covered. • Unplug when finished and wrap cord around base of microscope. • Turn off light when not in use. • Always turn the nosepiece by the top, never by the lenses.

4. Viewing a slide • 1. Make sure the shortest lens is in place (scanning objective) • 2. Place slide on stage and secure with clips • 3. Focus using “coarse” knob until you see the object in the center of the field of view • 4. Adjust diaphragm if needed to control the light intensity • 5. Move nosepiece to low power (next longest lens) • 6. Use “fine” focus knob to focus

5. Removing a slide • Turn the objective to the scanning lens (shortest objective) • Move the clips and remove the slide • Turn off light and wrap cord around base • Replace cover and slide the microscope toward the center of the lab bench

6. Making a wetmount • Refer to page 1070 in your textbook • Never use more than a tiny drop of water • When staining, use only a tiny amount of stain at a time. • Always use a coverslip! • Water or stains on the lenses will ruin them. • The thinner your onion skin the better – light has to go through it.